MLB Player News

Bautista (1-1) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Thursday over the Athletics.

Bautista kept the game tied at 7-7 in the top of the ninth inning, and Adley Rutschman delivered a walkoff solo home run in the bottom of the frame. This was Bautista's fourth straight scoreless outing after he opened the year allowing four runs (one earned) over his first 1.2 innings. He's 3-for-4 in save chances with a 12:2 K:BB, 1.59 ERA and 1.06 WHIP through 5.2 innings overall.

Lange tossed a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. He struck out one.

Lange blew his only other save opportunity so far this season back on April 3, but he had more success Thursday and lowered his ERA to 3.18. With the Tigers sitting at 3-9, it's not surprising that they haven't presented many save chances. Lange should remain the team's closer with some threats behind him, though his fantasy appeal takes a hit due to the team context.

Banks was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Banks was among the last players to be optioned at the close of spring training, though he'll now get his chance in the big-league bullpen. He debuted with the White Sox in 2022 and posted a solid 3.06 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 49:18 K:BB across 53 frames.

Cano was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Cano made his big-league debut in 2022 but struggled to an 11.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP across 18 innings split between the Twins and Orioles. He failed to secure a spot in the big-league bullpen to begin 2023, but he'll have at least a short-term opportunity in Baltimore with Keegan Akin (personal) sidelined.

Akin was placed on the paternity list Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Akin has appeared in six games out of the bullpen this season and allowed four earned runs on eight hits across 4.1 innings. He'll be away from the team for at least Friday's game against the White Sox, though he could miss the entire weekend series.

Pomeranz (elbow) was diagnosed Thursday with a neck strain, delaying his minor-league rehab assignment, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz was supposed to begin pitching for Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, but he's run into another setback in his return from August 2021 flexor tendon surgery. At least it's not related to his forearm or elbow. The estimated timetable for his 2023 debut will probably have to be pushed back at least a week or two.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Thursday that Rodriguez (shoulder) has already thrown two bullpen sessions, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Rodriguez will do a couple more of those workouts before advancing to a minor-league rehab assignment. The Rule 5 pick landed on the injured list ahead of Opening Day because of shoulder tightness, but he could make his debut out of the Cardinals' bullpen before the end of April.

Tarnok (shoulder) was transferred Thursday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

Tarnok remains without a recovery timetable after being diagnosed with a right shoulder strain this spring. The good news is that the injury is not expected to require surgery.

Lovelady was claimed off waivers from Atlanta on Thursday and assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Lovelady had allowed four earned runs through five innings of relief this season at Triple-A Gwinnett. The 27-year-old left-hander hasn't appeared in a major-league game since 2021 and will function as minor-league bullpen depth for Oakland.

Oller allowed seven runs on eight hits and one walk over 2.1 innings during Thursday's 8-7 loss to the Orioles. He struck out two and didn't factor in the decision.

Oller pitched a 1-2-3 first inning, striking out Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle. However, it would spiral from there, as he allowed three runs in the second and another four in the third while recording just one out. He managed to avoid a loss as the A's rallied to tie the game 7-7. Oller has a 9.00 ERA with 8:6 K:B in 12 innings this year.